Titus 1:10–16 (ESV)
Qualifications for Elder
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For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans,
a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of
people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable,
disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Step by step, Paul outlines the requirements for those who wish to lead as stewards of God’s Church. Then he turns his focus to the false teachers, who do not
measure up in understanding or teaching the truth, in their corrosive behavior, or in their motives. As living, active members of God’s Church, potential leaders should aspire to know and understand His truth and to serve in the roles He provides. They
and their families need to live a godly life that avoids empty talk, deceit, and any teaching that turns away from God’s truth. Purity is a tall order, though, and we cannot make ourselves pure. Yet God steps into our lives and purifies us by His Gospel.
Thank God that through Jesus Christ, He makes us pure and leads us through His trustworthy Word!
I pray: O Jesus, purify me with Your righteousness so that I may lead in my family and serve faithfully
among Your people. Amen.